Talc
AKA “STERITALC, Huashifen, Pulvis talci, Talc powder, 7SEV7J4R1U, INS NO.553(III), INS-553(III), E-553(III), Potstone, Sterile Talc”
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Talc
AKA: STERITALC, Huashifen, Pulvis talci, Talc powder, 7SEV7J4R1U, INS NO.553(III), INS-553(III), E-553(III), Potstone, Sterile Talc
Ingredient · Abrasive · EWG: 8
Synthetic
Barrier Support
Not Clean
Talc (Mg3H2(SiO3)4) (CI 77718)
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
H2Mg3O12Si4
Mol. Weight
379.27
CAS #
14807-96-6
Form
Powder
State
Talc is an odorless white to grayish-white very fine crystalline powder (unctuous). Readily adheres to the skin. Nonflammable, noncombustible, and nontoxic.
See origin →
Functions
Abrasive
Absorbent
Anticaking
Bulking
Opacifying
Skin Protecting
Helps rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier — the invisible shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Essential after over-exfoliating or harsh weather.
Nourishes & Protects
Traditional Use
Talc has been used in cosmetics since antiquity, particularly by Romans and Egyptians as a powder for skin dryness and moisture absorption. It became a standard ingredient in face powders, body powders, and makeup products from the 18th century onward.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
8
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
🧂Conflict of interest.
Cosmetic talc powder.
Lancet (London, England), 1977
Talc and Ovarian Cancer Meta-Analysis
Berge W, Mundt K, Luu H, Boffetta P
European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2018
Safety Assessment of Talc as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Talc
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Talc
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Talc
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Effect of talc and vitamin E TPGS on manufacturability, stability and release properties of trilaurin-based formulations for hot-melt coating.
Huynh VT, de Paiva Lacerda S, Espitalier F, Beyssac E, Ré MI
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2024
Cosmetic Talc-Related Pulmonary Granulomatosis.
Sonia Jasuja, Brooks T Kuhn, Michael Schivo, Jason Y Adams
Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports, 2017
Cosmetic Talc-Related Pulmonary Granulomatosis.
Sonia Jasuja, Brooks T Kuhn, Michael Schivo, Jason Y Adams
Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports, 2017
Cosmetic Talc-Related Pulmonary Granulomatosis.
Sonia Jasuja, Brooks T Kuhn, Michael Schivo, Jason Y Adams
Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports, 2017
Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR